People News: Flurry of New Hires Marks Busy End of Summer

August 18, 2015

Traditionally a slower time for trade shows, companies in the industry utilized their time instead hiring new talent and promoting from within before the fall kicks off a busy season again.

The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) hired Jason Means as director of membership. In his new role, Means will lead recruitment and retention programs for current and prospective ACVB members while managing the membership department.

Means brings nearly 10 years of combined hospitality and event experience to his new role.

“Jason’s knowledge and experience within the local hospitality community will be helpful as he works to retain and build our membership,” said Amy Patterson, vice president of business development and corporate events, ACVB. “This makes him a very valuable asset to our organization.”

Means most recently served as senior event manager with Hilton Atlanta. Prior to that, he worked as events manager for the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, where he oversaw volunteers, managed hotel relationships and supervised the hospitality program.

Shepard Expositions Services appointed Susan Hall to their executive team, filling the role of vice president of talent.

Hall brings deep knowledge in human resources, specifically staffing and recruiting, to the Shepard Team.

Previously, Hall served as the director of Human Resources at Spanx, a highly-recognizable international brand; and during the course of the past 20 years has maintained director level positions across the human resources space, including 9 years with Portman Holdings from 1998 to 2007.

In her new role at Shepard, Hall will be responsible for developing human asset strategic plan goals, implementing human resources policies and procedures, and complying with federal and state regulations related to employment and benefits.

The position will also be responsible for the well-being of all associates in connection with safety, benefits, training, performance management and career development.

“We conducted a long and in-depth interview process and Susan was a front-runner from the beginning. She is knowledge about the industry, our company and knows the important of driving customer satisfaction,” said Carl Mitchell, president, “Shepard is growing and Susan is the right person to continue to bring in the top-notch talent we pride ourselves on.”

Visit KC recently made a trio of appointments - Cori Day will assume the role of vice president of sales and services. Day brings to the tourism organization more than 16 years of experience in hospitality sales and marketing; Traci Preus was appointed to the position of Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications, bringing more than 25 years of experience in strategic marketing, public relations and advertising; and Ashley Jones assumes the role of vice president of partnerships and events, bringing with her 14 years of experience in destination management and community development organizations.

Visit Spokane is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris McKinney to the position of Director of National Accounts.

As a member of the Visit Spokane sales team, McKinney will work with meeting planners - specifically in the health, medical, scientific and engineering markets - to bring conventions and meetings to the Spokane region.

A veteran of hotel industry sales, McKinney previously worked for Marriot, Hilton and, most recently, Renaissance Seattle Hotel.   

Riverhouse Hotel & Convention Center, a full-service hotel and Central Oregon’s largest convention center, overlooking the picturesque Deschutes River, has hired Heidi Albertson as Director of national sales.

Nth Degree has strengthened its global presence by adding a new account director, Anthony Lacey, to its London office. Lacey will support European Director, Francis Mugford, and the company’s ongoing effort to expand event marketing and management services across its global portfolio.

Jason Ahart is bringing his 16 years of exhibit production experience to Olympus Group (“Olympus”) as its new COO.

Ahart’s focus as COO at Olympus will be quality initiatives and production systems, particularly Lean Manufacturing and long-term growth. As part of the executive team, Ahart will be responsible for the digital printing, sewing, purchasing, warehouse and prepress departments.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact